Preparation Phase
Good preparation is essential before any international move. There are so many things to do when leaving your old country, and even more to arrange when getting ready for somewhere new. No matter how well prepared you are, it is likely you will experience some unexpected surprises in the first weeks. Remember that a sense of humour will help to keep all this in proportion!
Formalities
Moving is always a hectic time, and there are quite a few formalities to be completed. The exact list of what you need to do depends on your nationality, place of birth, family composition, and your employer's choice of work permit (in some cases). Consult your HR Manager for details.
Whichever route you take, good preparation is vital.
What to expect:
- Moving to a new country involves bureaucracy - the Netherlands is no exception.
- Some Dutch rules and procedures will be different from those in your home country.
- Plan time to attend meetings with Dutch organisations.
- Plan time to prepare documents for these meetings.
- Communication (information) is often in Dutch.
Depending on your country of origin you may need an entry visa, a work permit and a residence permit (see Appendix II). You will also need to register with the Town Hall at your new address and with the tax authority, which will issue you with a social-fiscal number (SOFI (BSN) number). From July 2006 you will need to obtain this before you can start work. Some banks also ask for a SOFI number when you open a new account.
You will need the following documents to complete (all) these actions:
- Birth certificates (legalised)
- Marriage certificates (legalised)
- Valid passports
- Valid drivers licences
- Contract of employment (with the Dutch company)
- Dutch housing rental (or purchase) contract
It is also advisable to bring:
- Copy of any residence permit you may hold
- A proof of your travel/health insurance
For some registration, such as obtaining a residence permit, you may need to provide translations of the above documents if they are not already in Dutch, English or German. If in doubt about what you need, consult the relevant office for clarification.
Planning (preparation phase):
- Get your certificates legalised. Your HR Manager can advise you on the procedure.
- Apply for and collect your entry visa (if applicable). Your HR Manager may do the application for you and/or can advise you on the procedure.
- Travel to the Netherlands.
People who don't require a work permit (mainly EU citizens) can start work as soon as they have obtained a SOFI number. Those needing a visa, work permit and residence permit can expect to spend between three and six months on the complete procedure.
Diploma assessment
It is advisable to take your diplomas and professional/educational certificates (as well as those of your partner) with you to the Netherlands, so that they can be assessed when needed.
Useful links
http://www1.minbuza.nl/en. Ministry of Foreign Affairs (has information about visas and certificate legalisation)
http://www.ind.nl/index.aspx (in Dutch). Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND)
http://www.nuffic.nl/. Netherlands organisation for international cooperation in higher education
http://www.euraxess.nl/ .Researchers' mobility portal, part of a European network
